Arizona State QB Decision Looms Ahead of Opener

Arizona State's head coach, Kenny Dillingham, is nearing a crucial decision regarding the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming 2026 season. With the September 5th season opener just two weeks away, the competition appears to be narrowing.

All indications suggest that Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley is positioned to be named the starter. The 21-year-old Boley is making a move from the SEC to the Big 12, a transition that could benefit his development, particularly concerning ball security issues that were evident during spring camp. He is currently working to correct these tendencies and is growing more comfortable in Dillingham's offense.

Boley's main competitor is sixth-year player Mikey Keene, who returns to Arizona after previous stints with other programs. Keene is recognized as a skilled game manager who thrives in familiar surroundings. The intense competition between Boley and Keene is reportedly fostering a positive environment within the quarterback room, with both players benefiting from the challenge.

Dillingham has consistently stressed the paramount importance of protecting the football. For Boley, this means managing a career interception rate of 4.5% and ensuring it remains low in the Sun Devils' high-octane offense. Beyond turnovers, the new quarterback will be tasked with efficiently distributing the ball to a talented group of skill players, a challenge he hasn't faced before.